YOUR GUIDE TO
Dining • Lodging • Events T hings to Do & More in Concan, Camp Wood, Leakey, Rio Frio, Sabinal, Utopia & Vanderpool
Welcome to the
Hill Country River Region
2013
Paradise & Adventure... closer than you think!
Rio Frio Lodging
Hill Country Nature Tours Frio Bat Flight, Bluebird Trail, Birding & Big Tree Tours, + Campfire Storytelling
www.hillcountryadventures.com
Hill Country Nature Center
Host of Best Nature Festival in Texas
NATURE QUEST April 24-28, 2013 & April 23-27, 2014
830-966-2320 • www.friolodging.com www.hillcountryadventures.com
Welcome to the
Hill Country River Region published by
The Hill Country Sun
Winner of 21 TCNA Awards including General Excellence Celebrating Our 23rd Anniversary 1990-2013 www.hillcountrysun.com Contents copyright ©2013. Reproduction of any portion of this publication in any form requires written permission of the publisher
Julie Harrington
Publisher/Advertising 512-484-9716 julie@hillcountrysun.com
Melissa Maxwell
Editor/Design 512-569-8212 melissa@hillcountrysun.com
Front Cover “Frio Beauty” Photo by Julie Harrington
Like us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/HillCountrySun
888-502-9387 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
3
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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
Frio Bat Flight See millions of bats emerge.......................................................3 Hill Country Herald Weekly newspaper.........................................................32 Hill Country Rivers Visitor Information . ..........................................................5 Nature Quest Nature Festival April 24-28, 2013.................................................6 Real County Centennial Celebrating 100 years...............................................6 Real Hill Country Times Newspaper.............................................................32 “Tales of the Frontier Canyon” Book by Linda Kirkpatrick............................32
H Rio Frio
PAGE 2-3, 6-7
Hill Country Nature Center, Hill Country Nature Tours.........................2 Rio Frio Lodging Vacation Rentals....................................................................2 River Bluff Cabins Cabins on the Frio...............................................................3 The Ridge Real Estate on the Frio.......................................................................7
H Leakey
PAGES 8-14, 34
Bent Rim Grill Burgers & More........................................................................10 Buckhorn Bar & Grill Live entertainment, food, more......................................9 Camp Live Oak Cabins on the Frio..................................................................11 Catahoula Woodworks Gifts & Home Decor.................................................11 Cypress Frio Waters Cabins on Frio River.......................................................12 Ella Purls Trading Post Cafe & Bakery, Retro Gifts.........................................12 Frio Canyon Chamber of Commerce Information, Events.............................8 Frio Canyon Real Estate Shawn Streib Gray, Broker/Owner.........................12 Frio Rivers Edge Houses on the Frio...............................................................12 Frio Springs Lodges Cabins on Frio Waterfront..............................................13 High Places Realty Mary Kay Windham, Broker..............................................11 Hondo National Bank 24-Hour ATM.............................................................11 Josh’s River Gear, Souvenirs, Swimwear, Bait, More...........................................23 Lala’s Mexican Food..........................................................................................14 Land & Ranch Realty Lem Lewis, Broker/Owner...........................................34 Leakey Inn Frio River Inn & Cabins...................................................................14 Pioneer Real Estate Shirley Shandley, Broker/Owner.....................................10 River Haven Cabins on the Frio.......................................................................14 River Rags & Rhinestones Country Style Boutique........................................10 Sunrise Ridge Cabins Cabins on the Frio.......................................................10
H Concan
PAGES 15-27, 36
Andy’s on River Road Tubing, Shuttle, Cabins, RV Sites, Gift Shop, Store.......20 Bec’s Store & RV Park RV Park, Cabins, Store.................................................27 Bonnie’s Bakery Fresh baked goods...............................................................23 Buchanan Cabins Cabins and swimming hole................................................24 Camp River View Cabins, RV Sites, Tent Sites on Frio......................................24 Concan General Store Gas, Groceries, Tubes, Pizza.......................................16 Crider’s on the Frio Cabins on the Frio..........................................................23 Elm Creek Stables Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Gift Shop........................................21 Frio Country Resort Lodging, Golf, Dining....................................................16 Frio’s Dry 50 River Gear, Gifts, More ...............................................................22 Frio Fergie’s River Co. River Gear, T-Shirts, Flip Flops.....................................18 Frio River Realty Larry Roberts, Owner/Broker, Homes, Ranches ...................20 Frio River Vacation Rentals Cabins, Homes.................................................20 House Pasture Cattle Co. Dining, Live Texas Music.......................................25 Josh’s River Gear, Souvenirs, Swimwear, Bait, More...........................................23 Loca on the Frio Boutique Gifts, Jewelry, Decor, Clothing...........................15 Nana’s RV Park Frio Riverfront Park.................................................................24 Neal’s Dining Room Dining...........................................................................19 Neal’s Lodges Cabins & Lodges, Tubes, Groceries, Gift Shop............................26 Parkview Riverside RV Park Frio Riverfront, Groceries, Gift Shop....................... 17 River Oaks Resort Homes and Cabins............................................................21 River Rim Resort Cabins, RV Sites on the Frio River............................Back Cover Seven Bluff Cabins Cabins, RV Spaces............................................................18 Yeargen’s River Bend Cottages, Motel & Camping on Frio, Gift Shop............15 Texas Land & Ranch Jim Fuchs, Owner/Broker.............................................22
H Utopia
PAGES 29-29, 35
Fiddlestix Dining, Comfort Food......................................................................29 Foxfire Cabins Log Cabins & Homes on the Sabinal River................................28 Lost Maples Cafe Dining................................................................................29 Main Street Utopia Antiques, Gifts.................................................................29 Sabinal River Lodge Log cabin lodge............................................................28 Thompson Real Estate Nancy Thompson, Owner/Broker..............................28 The Laurel Tree Fine dining............................................................................29 The Lodges of Lost Maples Vacation Cabins ...............................................29 Utopia Golf Golf Course..................................................................................29 Utopia on the River B&B Lodge, Conference Center on Sabinal River............35 UtopiaTexas.info Utopia information online...................................................29
H Camp Wood
PAGES 30-31
Arrowhead Lodging Cabins & Guest House on Nueces River.........................31 Bear Creek Chocolate & Fudge Sweets & Treats..........................................30 Boots & Buckles Bar and Grill.........................................................................31 Marilyn’s Jewelry, Knives, Cowhides & Western Decor......................................30 Nueces Country Smokehouse Meat Market & Smokehouse, Groceries..........31 Suzie Q’s Quilting Supplies................................................................................35 Valley Ranch Retreat, Woodbine Inn & Mill Wheel on the Nueces Guest Cottages Lodging.............................35
H Sabinal
PAGE 33
Hart’s Furniture Custom Mesquite & Hardwood Furniture..............................33
Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
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HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION
Real County celebrates Centennial
Texas-sized party that lasts all year
T Attractions & Events...
See Calendar Pages 33-34 for more information! REAL COUNTY
Come Celebrate our
100th Birthday
Real County will celebrate it’s 100th Birthday for the entire year of 2013! We have lots planned so check out our web site for monthly events and make plans to party!
www.RealCounty1913.com 6
Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
By Wanda Blackburn his year marks the 100th anniversary of Real County and guests are invited to help celebrate. For the past two years, Real County Judge Garry Merritt and Centennial Committee Chairman Willis Springfield have lead an army of volunteers; their planning and hard work has resulted in a year-long calendar of events. The county-wide effort marks the milestone by honoring Real County’s settlers. “We are celebrating the hardiness and the entrepreneurship of the pioneers,” Judge Merritt explains. “This was a hard place to make a living and the people who live here now respect the sacrifices that were made, which means they appreciate the freedom, independence and space we have in this area.” Each month throughout 2013, the county will host a variety of events: guided historical tours of Leakey, Camp Wood and Rio Frio, reunions, parades, cook-offs, shrimp boil, melodrama, 5K run, soap box derby, charreada, cowboy symposium and more, including burial of a time capsule. New events will be accompanied by old favorites. “We’ve tried to partner with local organizations that put on certain events that were
already being held. Events such as the well-known July Jubilee will carry a Centennial theme this year,” Judge Merritt explains. “This is a once-ina-lifetime thing, so we wanted to make it really outstanding,” Willis says, dubbing April 6 as the “Big Birthday Bash.” Day-long festivities culminate in the dedication of the commemorative historical marker at the Real County Courthouse in Leakey followed by a traditional Texas meal, a huge birthday cake and a street dance on the Square. A complete Centennial Calendar of Events is available online at www. realcounty1913.com. You can also view a history of settlements in Real county, collections of photos and other information. The site is updated regularly. T-shirts, coffee mugs, calendars and other Real Country Centennial items are big sellers. The t-shirt has been seen around the world, thanks to a popular front-page feature in The Hill Country Herald. “Where in the World Did You Wear Your Real County Centennial T-shirt?” is the original idea of editor/ publisher Julie Becker. The pictorial has run every week since June 2012 and will continue through the end of 2013. On the whole, 100 years isn’t such a long time and See CENTENNIAL, page 7
CENTENNIAL, from page 6 Real County still has many residents who recall the early days. Willis recognized the importance of recording their memories, so the oldest citizens were asked to tell a story. And tell stories they did! Their remembrances range from amusing childhood pranks to poignant stories about the depression and war years. You can read their personal reminiscences on the Centennial web site (and one—from Reba Hicks—in this guide, reprinted with permission). When Edwards County was organized in 1883, Leakey, named for early pioneers John and Nancy Leakey, was its county seat.
The Edwards/Bandera county line ran directly through town. When the Edwards county seat was later moved to Rocksprings, citizens had to make an arduous, dangerous journey over the mountains and through the steep canyons to Rocksprings or Bandera to conduct business. In 1895, residents proposed a new county made up of parts of existing Uvalde, Bandera and Edwards counties. Their petition was rejected by the State. Finally, on April 3, 1913, the Texas Legislature passed a Bill creating a new county named Murphy from parts of Edwards, Kerr and See CENTENNIAL, page 8
Real County Judge Garry Merritt LEFT and Willis Springfield, Centennial Chairman, welcome visitors to the year-long celebration of the Real County Centennial. Photo by Wanda Blackburn.
RIO FRIO
Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
7
— ANNUAL EVENTS — Memorial Day Weekend Shrimp Boil Saturday 5 pm • Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop, Hwy 337W. Leakey
July Jubilee/Rodeo
First Saturday in July Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors 8 am-4 pm • Patriotic Parade 10 am Courthouse Square, Hwy 83, Leakey Rodeo —Friday & Saturday 8 pm
Christmas on the Square First Saturday after Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors 8 am-4 pm Courthouse Square, Hwy 83, Leakey
SouthweSt Corner of hwy. 83 and 5th Street PO BOx 743 • Leakey, Texas 78873-0743 • 830-232-5222
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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
CENTENNIAL, from page 7
View from Ranch Road 337. Photo by Tom Wiley. Bandera counties. An amendment before passage renamed it Real, for rancher and Texas State Senator Julius Real, a former Kerr county judge and the only Republican State Senator at that time. The three counties were glad to be rid of their
most inaccessible parts, as the land was deemed undesirable, not good for grazing or farming. “So now we’re more than happy to have their leftovers!” Judge Merritt says. The Frio Canyon area with the Frio, Nueces and Sabinal rivers, is now much
sought-after, especially for recreational purposes. The population of Real County’s is 3,309. In addition to Leakey, it contains the communities of Vance, Camp Wood, Rio Frio and Divide. The winding Nueces River is a boundary and highways and twisting ranch roads take you in and out of the county. From the Edwards Plateau, up and down the Balcones Escarpment and on top of the Divide, the steep canyons, ravines and breaks isolated the early farms and cabins dotted throughout the region. Settlements were hard to defend against Indian attacks and floodwaters often raged through the valleys. But those pioneers
Centennial logo. Courtesy Real County Centennial. who stayed became the backbone of today’s population, giving them grit, determination and a fierce independence. The current generation has benefitted from ancestors who relied only upon themselves and the responsibility they felt toward each other. Today, 100 years later, See CENTENNIAL, page 10
LEAKEY
Great Food • Live Entertainment • Karaoke/DJ
5 Big Screen TVs • Pool Tables • Shuffleboard • Biker Friendly
“Where Everyone’s a Local” buckhornbargrill@gmail.com • www.buckhornbarngrill.com
830-232-4755 • 4377 South US Hwy 83 • Leakey, TX Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
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LEAKEY
CENTENNIAL, from page 9
“Hot Food, Ice Cold Beer. It’s what we do.” Specialty Burgers, & A Variety of Menu Choices Dine-In or To-Go 657 West RR337 Leakey, Texas Next to Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop
WI-FI
www.bentrimgrill.com • 830-232-6649
PIONEER
Real Estate Shirley Shandley, Broker/Owner
830-232-6422
www.hillcountryrealestate.net 698 S. Highway 83 • Leakey, TX
Cyclists on Farm Market 1050. Photo courtesy Hill Country Rivers. there is still relatively little outside influence in the Frio Canyon. Farming and ranching has evolved. An area that has relied primarily on summer tourism, dependent on the levels of the rivers to drive a healthy economy, now welcomes motorcyclists, bicyclists and car enthusiasts, who help extend the regular tourist season. And many natural attractions of the
area now make it popular as an eco-tourism destination. FYI • Leakey is located at the intersection of US Highway 83 and Ranch Roads 336 and 337. For information about Centennial activities or tickets for certain events, call Willis Springfield at 830-232-5783 or mail him at Post Office Box 96, Rio Frio, Texas 78879. You may also contact Garry Merritt, Real County Judge at 830-232-5304. For more information, visit the Real County Centennial web site at www.realcounty1913.com or email realcounty1913@gmail.com.
Sunrise Ridge
CABINS A family oriented retreat on the Frio
More fun stuff than you’ll find just about anywhere!
We have something for Everyone!
Open Year ’Round 600 ft of private Frio River frontage Four 2 BR/2BA Cabins sleep up to 12 One Cabin Sleeps up to 8
Bling • Jewelry • Shoes • Flipflops • Shorts • Toys Children’s Clothes • Men’s Cinch Jeans • Miss Me Jeans Guy Harvey • Home Accents • Texas Made Tee’s & More!
985 Hwy. 83 S, Leakey
830-232-4222 10 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
Good Fishing and Swimming! Leakey, TX • 830-232-5911
FrioSunriseRidgecabins.com
LEAKEY
Mary Kay Windham, Owner/Broker 664 S. US Hwy 83 • Leakey, TX • 830-232-4408
www.HighPlacesRealty.com The thousand-acre Four Sisters Ranch in Utopia, site of UTOPIAFest music festival. This year’s 5th annual fest is September 19-21. Photo courtesy UTOPIAFest.
Utopia native founds unique music festival
T
By Allie Eissler
he fifth annual, threeday UTOPIAfest—an intimate musical affair located in a natural amphitheater on the sprawling thousand-acre Four Sisters Ranch in Utopia—is slated for September 19-21. Ticket sales are capped to keep a small community feel, and festival-goers are welcome to bring their own beer and camp for free. “It really dawned on me how fortunate I was to own a piece of land so completely untouched by civilization,” says founder Travis Sutherland. “I’m the fifth generation to take care of it, and I wanted it to be self-sustaining in some way.” Experience working security and as a stagehand for big-time music events like Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo and Fun Fun Fun Fest led to an epiphany.
“I’d always been a huge live music fan, and I realized how many amazing bands I knew personally since leaving Utopia in 2003. I decided to invite them out to the ranch to play on a Saturday, got the word out as best I could, ...hardly anyone knew the bands, but they all agreed the music was top-notch, and had a really good time.” The festival has grown steadily in size and scope since its premiere. “Since I graduated from Texas State, all I wanted was to find a job where I could be doing something creative,” says Travis. “It’s amazing to be able to do something like this.” FYI • The 5th Annual UTOPIAfest is September 19-21, 2013 at Four Sisters Ranch in Utopia. The musical lineup will be released in Spring 2013. Tickets go fast, and when they’re gone, they’re gone, so visit the web site at utopiafest. com to get yours now.
Catahoula Gifts J Decor J Custom Woodwork
We Specialize in Unique
105 RR 337 West @ Highway 83 Leakey, TX
830-232-5833
CatahoulaWoodworks.com
OLD FASHION FAMILY FUN ON THE FRIO H Leakey, Texas 830-232-4152 • www.CampLiveOak.com
Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
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LEAKEY
Ella Purls Trading Post Good Eats & Yummy Treats
Cafe & Bakery • Smoothies • Lattes • Frappes • Floats Huge Salads & Sundaes • Fresh Soup • Sandwiches Breakfast and Lunch Served ALL DAY
Looking Back
Reba, don’t get your gun As seen in the Hill Country Herald
Toys & Joys for ALL Ages • FREE WiFi Unique One-of-a-Kind Retro Gifts
Located in the Historic Drugstore 183 Highway 83 South • Downtown Leakey
830-232-4611 • www.ellapurls.com
Frio Canyon Real Estate
Shawn Streib Gray, Owner/Broker 102 West Ranch Rd. 337 • Leakey, Texas
830.232.4500
friocanyonrealestate.com Great Views • Fully Furnished • Locally Managed
Frio Rivers Edge Two great houses on the Frio
713-825-2660 frioriversedge.com • facebook.com/FrioRiversEdge Cabins on the Frio River Where memories can be made for a lifetime.... Open Year-Round Reservations Required Private access to a 1/2 mile of the East Frio River 3 miles north of Leakey, Texas on US 83
MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY! Hill Country Views, Wildlife, Tubing, Hiking, Star Gazing, Fishing, More
830-232-5955 • www.cypressfrio.com
12 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
I
By Reba Hicks
f you were born and raised in Central Texas, known as the Hill Country, where the Nueces River flows on the Real County side, you were expected to be a little bit Western. I was born on a ranch on Camp Wood creek, a tributary of the Nueces River. I was the youngest of five Hobbs children, two older brothers and two older sisters. My brothers and sisters did saddle their trusty carriers, get their faithful dog and “go way around um” gathering fresh sheared goats to bring them to shelter under the goat shed, when the weather threatened. They carried a rifle on their saddle and could use it when need be. I, being the baby, was not expected to help outside, unless I chose to, which I did not. I was afraid of the cattle, of butting sheep, guns and even horses. When I married a local boy, I know he expected me to enter (and win), the turkey shoot every year, to bag the biggest Buck Deer-with the widest rack, kill a rattlesnake or two and teach my girls to race barrels….hello! I did none of these things. I think I was an
embarrassment, of a sort, to Ken because I wouldn’t do anything western. Every so often he would suggest “Let’s you and me go shoot a Big One.” To which I would reply “I am not good with guns, Ken. I really don’t want to shoot a gun.” He would say “Well, let’s go head lightening then and I will use the gun.” So I would go, but it was always a disaster. Every time Ken would stop suddenly to shine the light in a tree, looking for a varmint, I would climb his back. That’s how close I would walk behind him. One night he had the head light and I had the battery, for the light. We were connected by the wiring from the battery to the light. He shot a ringtail, which fell out of the tree and onto a bluff below the tree lines. Ken yelled “Come On!” as he jumped off the bluff. I did not jump off the scary high bluff. The battery and I stayed safely on the top — in the dark….the now very, very dark. Once Ken jumped and I didn’t, the wiring to the light pulled loose and the result was total darkness. From my lofty perch, I could hear “hiss!!spit!hiss!squak!!” … all from a wounded animal. Then “blankity blank, ugly word, ugly word” from Ken, plus a lot of very heavy boot stomping. At last, he came crawling up the bluff, ringtail in hand and we went home….in silence. See REBA, page 13
REBA, from page 12 Not a person to give up easily, Ken continued to try to save me. One day he said “I know where the granddaddy of all granddaddy deer is and today you are going to kill him.” He took me by the hand, grabbed his gun and pickup keys in the other hand and we were off. I prayed all the way along to the Lord God to hide the deer, but there he stood. Big as Life – a real trophy if I ever saw one. Now Ken had told me to put a shell in the chamber, look into the scope and if there were as many as four points on one side to shoot. The deer was on my left, the driver’s side, so I had to bring the gun across and shoot from the passenger seat, out the driver’s window. I threw the shell in the chamber,
brought it around to my left and “kablooie!” I blew out the windshield!! “My God, did I shoot you Ken?” I cried. No answer. I immediately think “Oh Lord, should I try to see where I shot him? Should I give him mouth to mouth? Should I get out of here before his head falls off?” Yes! I opened the pickup door and ran as fast as I could (and I really run fast!) to……to…… somewhere! Anywhere! I’m so scared and crazy I don’t hear the pickup until it’s along side of me. I look at Ken and see a huge vein sticking out between his eyes and he is saying some really ugly, ugly words. He throws open the door and demands I get in….now! (I’d rather bite a bear!)….but I get in. I open
my mouth to tell him that I had not pulled the trigger, but no sound comes out. Just a squeak! I rolled down my window and laid my head on the window seal letting the air relieve me. We arrived at the house and the girls were there to meet us, excited to see my kill. Ken greeted them with “Your mother tried to kill me!” Four brown scared eyes looked accusingly at me….also Ken’s two hazel ones. I got so mad that my voice came back and I tell all three, “I did not pull the trigger on that gun!” “How in the (ugly word) do you think that windshield got busted out?” says my rancher husband. Instead of answering I went into the house, picked up an orange and headed out back to the river. I stayed there until I
saw all the lights go out in the house. The next morning I am picking up breakfast things and I am glad that Ken has taken his gun and gone to feed the deer blinds when I hear “kablooie!” out by the garage. I go to the kitchen door, look out and I see not only is the windshield gone in the truck but now the passenger window glass is also. Ken is standing looking puzzled at his gun. “Is anything special going on out here?” I asked. “This (ugly word, ugly word) gun just fired for no reason!” he said. “The hell you say!” I said as I slammed the kitchen door. Ken asked many things of me in the 60 years we were married, but to be his hunting buddy again was not one of them!
LEAKEY
Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
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LEAKEY
14th Annual Nature Quest is April 24-28
L
By Allan C. Kimball
EscapE to LEakEy
Enjoy Rest & Relaxation at
RiveR Haven
on 6.5 acres overlooking the Frio River (Rio Frio) Log Cabins with River Views Lodge Available for
Reunions • Weddings • Meetings
Managers: Sandy & Margie Sutherland
www.riverhavencabins.com • rhc@hctc.net 830-232-5400 • 866-232-5400 (toll free)
The Historic
earn all about nature in the Hill Country, up close and personal, during this year’s Nature Quest.The five-day event will be held April 24 through April 28 headquartered, appropriately enough, near Utopia at the Hill Country Nature Center. During the 14th Nature Quest, you’ll learn from experts about all facets of the Hill Country—bats, birds, butterflies, insects, champion big trees, natural history, native plants, wildlife habitats, and more. You’ll get to go on scenic field trips, attend workshops, Fighting aoudads near Utopia. and perhaps even Photo by LeAnn Sharp. see rare and endangered species of birds like the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. See NATURE QUEST, page 14
Leakey Inn
Frio River Inn & Cabins
Since 1929 Family, motorcycle & Pet Friendly missoura’s General store & conFectionary treats dance slab H Guest swimminG Pool
www.leakeyinn.com
Reservations: leakeyinn@gmail.com H 830-232-5246 H 527 Hwy 83 H Leakey, TX 14 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
CONCAN
NATURE QUEST, from page 14 They like this neck of the woods and you will, too. Nature Quest roams all over the region—in Bandera, Real and Uvalde counties and along the Frio, Nueces and Sabinal rivers.Coordinating the 14th annual event is LeAnn Sharp, with the Quest headquartered at her Hill Male bluebird. Photo by LeAnn Sharp. Country Nature Center. The Nature Center is not just the place where all the activities emanate from; it’s a true attraction itself. The Center showcases the natural attractions of the area with displays, maps, specimens, artifacts, and observation areas.One unique facet of the Nature Center is a bluebird nest outside with a fixed camera inside it so visitors can watch the various activities that take place in the nest, including adult birds feeding their young. It’s a truly rare experience. FYI • Nature Quest headquarters is located at the Hill Country Nature Center on FM 1050, 5 miles east of Garner State Park and 10 wiles west of Utopia. For more information, call 830-966-2320 or visit the web site at hillcountrynaturequest.com.
Established 1955 Cottages • Shelters • Camping Gifts • River Gear • T-Shirts Motel • RVs • Fanily Reunions
830-232-6616
www.riverbendonthefrio.com 1-1/2 Mile No. of Garner State Park on Hwy. 83
Loca
K K Frio ON the
Boutique
Gifts H Jewelry Home Decor and Clothing 23223 N. US Hwy 83 Concan, Texas (at the Y in Concan)
830-232-4402 CowgirlLoca.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
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CONCAN
More local info...
Utopia & Sabinal Canyon utopiatexas.info Frio Canyon Chamber friocanyonchamber.com Nueces Canyon Chamber mycampwood.com Sabinal Chamber sabinalchamber.com Utopia, Texas utopiatexas.info Hill Country Rivers hillcountryrivers.com Lost Maples SNA 830-966-3413; tpwd.state.tx.us Garner State Park 830-232-6132; tpwd.state.tx.us
looking for
Live Music?
House Pasture Cattle Co. River Road in Concan • 830-232-6580
Joe Jimmy’s
at Neal’s Lodges 20970 Hwy 127 • Concan • 830-232-6118
Buckhorn Bar & Grill
4377 South US Hwy 83 • Leakey • 830-232-4755
Boots ‘n Buckles Bar & Grill
Hwy 55 • Downtown Camp Wood • 830-597-2277
Concan General Store GAS • DIESEL Groceries • Tubes Deli • Pizza • Ice Riverwear • T-Shirts Bait • Lottery
Open Year-Round 7 Days A Week
830-232-6414
at US Hwy 83 & TX 127 16 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
Concan, Texas Beautiful Frio Riverfront Shaded Sites Adjoining Garner State Park High-Speed Wireless Internet Full Hookups • Satellite TV Convenience Store • Propane
Winter Winter Texans Paradise Moderate Temperatures Low Off-Season Rates Telephone Connections
Fall Hunting Beautiful Foliage Rallies Outdoor & Indoor Pavilions
Spring Birdwatching Rally Facilities Bicycle Tours Fire Rings Picnic Tables
a Take our al T Virtu eserve and R line! On
New Ch a Course mpionship G o 5 Minu tes Aw lf Winter ay Golf Pa Availab ckages le
Summer Tubing • Rafting • Kayaking Horseback Riding • Fishing Hiking • River Access from All Sites
Reservations:
1-877-374-6748 (Toll-Free)
www.parkviewriversiderv.com
Information:
830-232-4006 P.O. Box 154 • Rio Frio, Texas 78879 email: parkviewrv@gmail.com
Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
17
on the river...
...or in your cabin Comfort and relaxa�on inside your cabin and almost 3/4 mile of river frontage just outside your door… Find out why we’re rated #1 for lodging on the Frio on TripAdvisor.com.
STAY
FRIO
www.7bluffcabins.com • (830) 232-5260 18 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
Local Churches CAMP WOOD
RIO FRIO
Hwy 55. 830-597-4131.
5749 Ranch Rd. 1120. 830-232-5221.
Nueces Canyon Church of Christ
First Baptist Church
813 South Nueces. 830-597-5150.
Hill Country Church of Christ
Hwy. 55 North. 830-597-6175.
New Beginning
SABINAL
Central Christian
512 N. Center Street. 830-988-2751. Church of Christ
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
204 N. Center Street. 830-988-2725.
CONCAN
607 N. San Antonio. 830-988-2344.
Hwy. 83 at the Y. 830-232-4058.
501 N. Orange St. 830-988-2255.
311 E. 3rd. 830-597-5165.
First Baptist Church.
Church of Christ
St. Patrick’s Catholic
Concan Baptist Mission
Trinity Temple
Hearty Breakfasts Daily Specials Chicken Fried Steak Fried Chicken Steaks • Barbecue Sandwiches Outdoor & Indoor Seating
Hwy. 83 North of Concan. Church 830-988-2553. 108 W. Rheimer Ave. Emmanuel Lutheran 830-988-2927. Hwy. 83 N. of Concan. 830- United Methodist 988-2553. 200 W. Fisher Ave. 830-988-2535.
LEAKEY
Church of Christ
1 block N. of Courthouse. UTOPIA Gospel Tabernacle 830-232-6933 Jackson & Main St. Church in the Valley 830-966-2440. Hwy. 83 S. 830-232-6841. First Baptist Church
Living Waters Church
Frio Canyon Baptist Church
United Methodist
Hwy. 83 N. 830-232-5344. Hwy. 83 S. 830-232-5883 Réal County Church of Christ
Corner 2nd &
Mountain
St. Raymond Catholic
201 Mountain St. 830-275-9661
Trinity Fellowship
E. on 337. 830-232-6770. Leakey United Methodist Church
410 N. Market. 830-232-6266.
FM 1050. 830-966-2426. 200 Cypress. 830-966-3400.
Utopia Baptist Church
Johnson & Oak. 830-966-3688.
Utopia Church of Christ
Main Street. 830-966-3629.
VANDERPOOL St. Mary’s Catholic
Hwy 187. 830-966-6268.
20970 Hwy. 127 at Frio River in Concan, Texas
830-232-5813 nealsdiningroom.com SEASONAL Closed Dec - Feb Call or check web site for hours.
Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
19
CONCAN
Open All Year Personal Service/ Red Carpet Treatment
Cabins • Homes • Riverfront • Pools
936-524-4545
Office: 289 CR 348 • Concan, Texas
“Providing unforgettable experiences, time & time again.”
www.FrioRiverVacationRentals.com Larry Roberts Owner/Broker
Homes • Ranches • Acreages • Vacation Rentals “I can show you any property for sale in the Frio Canyon. Catch the Frio Fever—own a piece of the Frio!” Conveniently located in the heart of Concan on
RIVER ROAD/CR 348
www.frioriverrealty.com • 936-537-4555
Legendary tale of the White Lady of Rio Frio
A
By Linda Kirkpatrick
n array of beautiful sights greets you as you walk around the hills and along the Frio River in the Frio Canyon. Butterflies feeding from the flowers, fish in the river, birds in the trees, deer in the woods and other wildlife along the trails are just some of the sights you may encounter. You might see something that you can’t explain—it could just be the breeze gently blowing through the trees leaving ripples in the river, or a wispy morning fog shrouding everything in its path. Whatever it is, it just might leave you wondering. And according to local legend,
you may have just experienced the apparition of the White Lady of Rio Frio. Could there really be a ghost haunting the banks of the Frio River? Many say there is, but ghosts aren’t real…or are they? The tale of the White Lady of Rio Frio arises from a true love story that took place in the early 1900s and has evolved into a favorite campfire tale today. Maria Juarez and her sister were known to be two of the prettiest senoritas in the canyon. Gregorio, who was married to Maria’s sister, was a young, handsome vaquero with an evil side. Even though Maria was several years See WHITE LADY, page 21
ANDY’S ON RIVER ROAD “Where all your TROUBLES float away!” TUBING • KAYAKING • SHUTTLE SERVICE Cabins • Suites • RV Sites • & Tent Camping All Cabins & Suites have free Wireless Internet access
Groceries • Gift Shop • Volleyball • Horseshoes • Large Children’s Play Area
830-232-5444 • WWW.ANDYSONRIVERROAD.COM
andysonriverroad@gmail.com • 21488 TX Hwy 127 • Concan 20 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
CONCAN
WHITE LADY, from page 20
Two locations coming soon! CALL FOR RESERVATIONS & MORE INFO
Elm Creek Stables “Come ride with us.”
GIFT SHOP DRINKS SNACKS
Trail Rides 00 $
27
Autumn Frio River. Photo by Margie Davis. younger than her sister, the two were very close and spent a lot of time together. Maria spent many days helping her sister care for her children and longed for the day when she could marry and have children of her own. As Maria grew older, the devious Gregorio was quick to notice the beauty of the young girl but alas, there was a problem, he was married to her sister. Maria’s beauty also caught the eye of Anselmo Tobar, a young vaquero from the Patterson Ranch. Anselmo began to court the young Maria. He, too, had fallen for her beauty. He courted her with bouquets of wild flowers and spoke to her of love and marriage. Maria was happy and excited because she knew that one day soon the handsome Anselmo would be her husband. Gregorio became aware of the romance between Maria and Anselmo. He knew he had to act quickly, so he called her aside to tell her of his love. Maria, how-
ever, scoffed at his words and assured him her love was for Anselmo and Anselmo alone, but she feared Gregorio and what he might do to her sister. She ran home leaving Gregorio ranting and raving. As the sun was setting and darkness engulfing the Rio Frio community, Maria heard a noise outside her home. She assumed it was Anselmo coming to see her after his day of work at the Patterson Ranch. Anxious to tell him of the incident with Gregorio, she went out to greet him. As the moonlight cast a haunting glow on the man standing before her, to her horror, she realized it was not Anselmo, but her brother-in-law. She watched in fear as he drew a pistol from his belt, slowly raised the gun and pointed it at her heart. Maria heard the fatal shot and slowly the night grew darker around her. Maria and her dreams died that night. There would be no wedding, there would be See WHITE LADY, page 26
Pony Rides $ 00
7
Open 9 am-5 pm (last ride out at 5 pm) OPEN Everyday during Spring Break, Weekends After Spring Break, and Everyday Memorial Day through summer
1/4 mile N. of Garner State Park
On Hwy 83 N H 830-232-5365
River Oaks Resort
36 cabins & homes on or near the Frio River in Concan, Texas 1-6 BEDROOM UNITS
Pet Friendly H Hot tubs H Fireplaces Cabins have fully equipped kitchens, DSS/TV/DVD, A/C and heat TUBE & KAYAK RENTALS
email info@riveroaksresorts.com
1-800-800-5773 • 830-232-6106 Open Daily from 9-5 Summer or 10-4 Off Season
www.riveroaksresorts.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
21
Did you know?
How Concan got its name
T
heodophilus Watkins first settled at Con Can and built the first log cabin with a chimney in 1862. When a Post Office was to be established in 1880, a name had to be chosen. One story of how the community of Concan got its name goes like this: “The men of the community gathered on Saturday afternoons and played dominoes and ‘coon can,’ a Texas card game. ‘Coon can’ was a variation of ‘Conquian,’ the earliest known rummy game, played since at least the 1880s. When word came t h a t a Post Office was to be located there and a name for the town had to be decided on, the men decided that they would send in ‘Coon Can.’ In Washington, no one had heard of such a game or such a word, so they thought the Texans must have misspelled the word and meant Con Can (now spelled Concan).” FYI • Excepted from Lora B. Garrison’s book, “Texas Pioneer Families.”
Frio’s Dry FiFty A Summer Tradition Since 1985
Frio River & GSP T-Shirts H Shorts Blue Bell HHawaiian Shaved Ice H Consuela Hats/Caps H Flip Flops H River Gear Yellow Box HJewelry H Gifts H and More! Sunday-Thursday 9:30-5:30 • Friday-Saturday 9:30-6:30
Check Us Out on Highway 127 in Concan, TX
830-232-6300 • friosdryfifty.com 22 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
CONCAN
Country of 1,100 springs
B
ig Springs Ranch north of Leakey is part of the headwaters of the Frio River; water gushes out of holes in the side of the bluff. Many Texans are familiar with the ranch because of its nickname “country of 1,100 springs,” made famous by a television advertising campaign featuring the falls and river. Established as a working ranch in 1930 by Oma Falls at Big Springs Ranch Bell Perry and her family, near Leakey. Big Springs Ranch opened Photo courtesy LeAnn Sharp as a children’s home in 1998. The ranch now houses four children’s homesteads, four grandparent’s cottages and an on-campus charter high school and middle school. FYI • An RV park on the Frio River is open to visitors. Tours of Big Spring Ranch are available. Call the Doss Library for more information at 830-232-4121 or email development@youth-ranch.org. For more information, visit the web site at www.thousandangels.org.
830-232-5583 • criderscabins@hotmail.com
On US 83, 1.5 miles past Garner State Park
Fresh baked goods, from our family to yours Place your order today, call
830-232-5582 •bonniesbakery1@gmail.com
Since 1991!
Find Everything You Need at
SouvenirS • T-ShirTS • CapS • RiveR GeaR • FishinG
tackle
Women’s clothinG • Swimwear • JeWelRy • campinG GeaR • toobs & kayaks bait WoRms • bait minnowS (Leakey only) • Gelato & coFFee (Concan only)
WO T Locations! LEAKEY 830-232-6292 • Downtown on US Highway 83 in Leakey
CONCAN 830-232-4243 • Corner of US Hwy 127 & 83 in Concan Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
23
CONCAN
Buchanan Cabins
where to find
Owned by the original Neal Family
Concan, Texas
14 cabins, ranging in price from $86 to $220 per night. All cabins have air conditioning, microwaves, barbecue pits, coffee makers, & satellite television. Tube rentals, float trip shuttles, & day guest access.
Buchanan Cabins Swimming Hole
830-988-3272
buchanancabins@gmail.com
www.concancabins.com
NANA’S RV PARK River frontage park located on the Frio River, each site features a picnic table, a fire ring, 20-30-50 amp electrical, sewer & water hook-ups.
Across the Frio River from Garner State Park on County Road 350
RIO FRIO, TX • 830-232-4653
nanasrvparkonthefrio.com
in CAMP WOOD...
Bear Creek Fudge & Chocolate
Hwy. 55 Downtown • 830-597-6160
in CONCAN... Andy’s on River Rd.
21488 Tx. Hwy. 127 • 830-232-5444
in LEAKEY...
Real County Library
Main at Evergreen • 830-232-5199
Lala’s Mexican Restaurant
491 N. Hwy 83 • 830-232-4572
Bent Rim Grill
657 W. Ranch Rd. 337 • 830-232-6649
in RIO FRIO...
Hill Country Nature Center FM 1050 • 830-966-2320
in UTOPIA... Lost Maples Cafe
384 FM 187 (Main Street) • 830-966-2221
2,800 feet of Frio River frontage Cabins • RV Sites • Tent Sites Groceries • Tubing • Fun
info@friocampriverview.com • friocampriverview.com
On the Frio River • 1636 County Road 350 • Concan, Texas • 830-232-5412 24 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
CONCAN
“Best Steaks on the Frio!”
House Pasture Cattle Co. River Road Uvalde’s Grand Opera House. Photo by Nancy Feely.
Famous Uvadians honored with Opera House plaques
L
By Nancy Feely
ots of famous folks have called Uvalde home. Among those: King Fisher, Pat Garrett, Vice-President John Nance Garner, Governor Dolph Briscoe and America’s most successful train and bank robbers, the Newton Boys. You’ll find plaques on the exterior wall of Uvalde’s Grand Opera House honoring four famous Uvaldians who became stars in the entertainment field. Dale Evans, wife and partner of singing cowboy, Roy Rogers, and star of many Western musicals, was born at her grandparents’ Uvalde home in 1912. She reigned over the 1956 Uvalde County Centennial celebration. In the 1940s, Dana Andrews starred in movies including Oscar winner, “The Best Years of Our Lives.” Prior to his theatrical career, Dana lived in Uvalde, where his father was the Baptist minister. Dana was president of the Screen Actors Guild while a student at Dale Evans’ plaque. Uvalde High. Photo by Nancy Feely. The Arreola brothers—Jorge, Johnny, Jesse and James—grew up in Uvalde making music. As adults, their band, Los Palominos, produced an album entitled Por Es Te Amo, topping worldwide charts. They won a 1999 Grammy for Best Tejano Performance and a Latin Grammy in 2000. The fourth plaque on Uvalde’s Grand Opera House is devoted to native son and actor Matthew McConaughey, born in 1969. Matthew, voted People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2005, still turns heads while shopping at HEB in Uvalde or camping in Concan in his Airstream trailer. FYI • Uvalde’s Grand Opera House is at 104 West North Street. For more information, call 830-278-4184.
H
Concan, TX
Restaurant &
Texas Music Venue
Summer 2013 Lineup May 25 ................................. Gary P. Nunn June 1 ..................................Roger Creager June 8 ..................................Whisky Myers June 15 ............................. Casey Donahue June 22 ........Pat Green with Luke Olson June 29 ................The Josh Abbott Band July 4 ............Jason Boland & the Stragglers July 5 ................................... Randy Rogers with Dirty River Boys July 6 .....................................Cory Morrow July 13...................................Stoney LaRue July 20 ................................... Kevin Fowler July 27 .......................................... Kyle Park Aug 3 .............................Bellamy Brothers The Rankin Twins Aug 9-10 ............................ Owen Temple Frio River Song Festival Aug 31 ................Turnpike Troubadours Call for more info and hours
830-232-6580 www.housepasture.com
Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
25
WHITE LADY, from page 21 no children and without these, some say, her soul would never rest. Gregorio watched as the life faded from Maria. The lone shot was still echoing throughout the canyon as the pool of blood spread. It was then he realized
what he had done. He knew he must hide, so he threw down the pistol and ran to the barn, burrowing deep beneath the hay. He had no plan—he only knew that if he could not have Maria, neither could Anselmo. A crowd gathered and the search began for the
murderer of Maria, but no one suspected Gregorio. The sun rose the next morning and more men came with guns, horses and dogs. The women of Rio Frio prepared the beautiful Maria for her burial—shrouding her in her sister’s white wedding dress and braid-
CONCAN
GROCERIES • YOUTH FISHING TANK • RIVER GEAR • TEE’S & CANDEE’S SHOP • GAME ROOM • FLOAT TRIPS TUBES • BIRDING STATIONS • HAYRIDES • WEDDINGS • PETTING ZOO • NIGHTLY DANCES AT JOE JIMMY’S CORPORATE RETREATS • HORSEBACK RIDING • NATURE TRAILS • HUNTING PACKAGES • CABINS, CONDOS, LODGES
26 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
ing white ribbons and wild flowers into her hair. The posse mounted their horses, ready to ride, but the dogs would not leave the vicinity of the barn. As they cautiously opened the creaking barn door, the dogs bayed louder. Then, a lone, scared man with his hands held high, came out from behind the hay. The silence was deafening, except for the clicking sound as the posse chambered bullets into their guns. Gregorio, the murderer, walked forward in fear as he stared down the barrels of loaded rifles. Gregorio confessed to the murder, all the while swearing his love for the beautiful Maria. The posse arrested him on the spot. Members of the community adorned Maria’s casket with flowers and laid her to rest in an unmarked grave in the Rio Frio Cemetery. It is said that her soul is not fulfilled or at rest to this day. Many claim Maria’s spirit roams the canyon, comforting children in need. They say she may cover a child on a cold night or just sit at the foot of their bed, guarding the youngster from harm. Children see her as a kindly spirit dressed all in white, while others see her in the form of fog or mist as she goes up and down the river. The tale of the love triangle of Gregorio, Maria and Anselmo is true.
Fun dances, hayrides at Garner State Park
CONCAN
F
amily friendly dances at beloved Garner State Park Pavilion are held Monday through Saturday during Spring Break, and Saturday nights ‘til summer. Then, there’ll be nightly dances at the pavilion all summer long, and post-summer dances on Saturday evenings.Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can enjoy a hayride (complete with Cowboy songs, poetry and storytelling) at Garner State Park. Or enjoy a narrated hayride Wednesdayand Fridays. Be sure to arrive at the Garner State Park office by 6:45 pm. FYI • For information, call 830-232-6132 or visit the garnerstatepark.com.
where to find in CAMP WOOD...
Candy, Bear Creek Fudge Fudge & & Chocolate More Hwy. 55 Downtown 830-597-6160
in CONCAN... Baked Goods
Bonnie’s Bakery
On US 83, 1.5 miles past Garner State Park 830-232-5582
Ice Cream Frio’s Dry 50 Shaved Tx. Hwy. 127 Ice & More 830-232-6300 Gelato, Josh’s Coffee & US Hwy 127 & 83 More 830-232-4343
in LEAKEY...
Ice Cream Ella Purls & More 183 Highway 83 South 830-232-4611
Ice Cream Alamo Grocery by the scoop
257 South Main 830-232-4900
Leakey Buckstop
Ice Cream 608 Highway 83 South by the scoop 830-232-5559
in UTOPIA... Baked Goods
Fiddlestix
Corner of Lee & Main Street 830) 966-2345
Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
27
UTOPIA
NancyThompson.com
Here, a few things you shouldn’t miss
W
By Linda Kirkpatrick
SABINAL RIVER LODGE
A fully furnished, riverfront log cabin lodge available for year round vacation rental
Hwy 187 S • Utopia, Texas • 830-966-3393
www.sabinalriverlodge.com
FoxFire Cabins ON THE SABINAL RIVER
Year-Round
Log Cabin & Vacation Home Rentals in Vanderpool
info@foxfirecabins.com 830-966-2200 • 877-966-8200
www.FoxFireCabins.com
28 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
hen you’re day tripping in the Hill Country River Region, there are lots of things you shouldn’t miss. The drives are simply awesome, the people are friendly and each community offers something special. Here, a few suggestions. You’re sure to find even more of your own favorites as you explore this delightful area. In CAMP WOOD, there is a serene, historic location on the north edge of the city on Highway 55— site of Mission San Lorenzo de las Santa Cruz. The site sits on a lone ridge on the right as you enter Camp Wood from the north. It seems a lonely place now, but in the late 1700s, this was a bustling area. The mission was founded in 1762 by Franciscan missionaries in an effort to convert the Lipan Apache (who actually used the Mission San Lorenzo de las Santa Cruz as a place of refuge from the Comanche). The priests abandoned the mission in 1767. From 1857 to 1861, the same site served as a temporary U.S. Military outpost known as Camp Wood, hence the name of the modern day community. The site was excavated by archeologists in 1962. In downtown Camp Wood, turn east on Highway 55 to head to LEAKEY. You won’t regret the view on this drive. In Leakey, turn left onto Highway 83,
Rio Frio’s landmark Oak. Photo courtesy Frio Canyon Chamber. then exit on Ranch Road 336 North. You are now traveling along the West Prong of the Frio River. About seven miles north, you will notice a cut between two bluffs. The Frio River meanders through this cut. In the 1880s, John McLaurin thought this the ideal place to set up his homestead. He was so wrong. The Indian raid on his homestead in 1881 is possibly the last to occur in the state of Texas. This serene site is marked with a historical marker. Head back to Leakey, and on the south side of town, take Ranch Road 1120 to RIO FRIO. Drive very slowly and enjoy the small community that dates back to 1888, when N. M. C. Patterson laid out the town. The huge oak in Rio Frio was one of the points of reference. This Live Oak is a National Champion and sits in the yard of the old Slover home. The oak sits beside the road, so you can take photos of this See NOT TO MISS, page 29
UTOPIA
NOT TO MISS, from page 29
.info Bats emerge from Frio Bat Cave, home to the second largest bat colony in the world. Photo by Allan C. Kimball. beautiful tree, but please respect the private land on which it grows. Continue on Ranch Road 1120 until you are at US Highway 83, then take a left to CONCAN. Continue
on Highway 127 to Farm Market 2690 to the sign announcing the Frio Bat Cave. The cave is on private property, but evening tours of the Frio Bat Flight See NOT TO MISS, page 30
Utopia!
Spendina day
The Lodges
at Lost Maples Located on Scenic FM 337 between Vanderpool & Leakey By Reservation Only
(830) 966-5178
lostmaplescabins.com
FiddleStix
Comfort Food, Gathering Spot Classic & Healthy Breakfast and Lunch Menu FRIDAYS 5:00-8:30 pm
Steak, Shrimp & Quail
(830) 966-2345 www.fiddlestixutopia.com Corner of Lee & Main
IN UTOPIA, TEXAS
Lost Maples Cafe
A charming Hill Country town nestled in the Sabinal Canyon between Bandera & Garner Park
Main Street Utopia French Country Antiques, Collectibles Gifts, Books, Jewelry, Accessories Closed Sunday and Monday
282 Main Street, 830-966-5544
mainstreetutopia.com
The Laurel Tree
Seasonal gourmet cuisine in charming setting. Open Sat. for lunch & dinner 830-966-5444 for reservations 18956 Highway 187.
utopiagourmet.com
Utopia Golf
Prettiest 9-Hole Course in Texas. Home of the movie “Seven Days in Utopia” 20567 Hwy 187, 830-966-5577
utopiagolf.com
Breakfast • Appetizers • Desserts Entrees • Burgers 384 FM 187 Main Street in Utopia, Texas
830-966-2221 • www.LostMaplesCafe.com Open Sunday-Thursday 7 am-8 pm & Friday-Saturday 7 am-9 pm
Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
29
NOT TO MISS, from page 30 tours are offered through Hill Country Adventures from March through September. Times and schedules vary, so call in advance (888-502-9387 or visit the web site at www.hillcountryadventures.com). You’ll meet your guide at the gate. This is the second largest bat colony in the world and
CAMP WOOD
it will simply wow you. The guides also explain the history of the cave and association with the Civil War and World War II. Back to Highway 127 and take a right for the drive to SABINAL, where March 23-24, the 22nd Annual Wild Hog Festival will take place. What many
BFudge ear Creek & Chocolates
WE SHIP!
Scrumptious handmade chocolates & fun gifts from the Hill Country!
Perfect for the “thank you,” “I love you”,“I miss you,” & “thinking of you” moments in life! Open Thurs-Sat 10 am-5 pm
Hwy. 55 in downtown Camp Wood 830-597-6160 • www.bearcreekfudge.net
LIKE US ON
don’t know is that Sabinal was one of the final destinations for the hog drives in this part of Texas. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, cowboys in the canyons rounded up wild hogs and drove them (much like the cattle drives, only not as romantic) to the rail head in Sabinal, providing much needed money for the early settlers and pork for the people in the cities. So, is the Festival a continuation or re-enactment of this historical event? Probably neither, but you won’t be bored—and it’s a family fun place to be. Take Farm Market 187 from Sabinal traveling to Utopia and Vanderpool. What a way to end the day. The UTOPIA community came into being in the mid-
Marilyn’s 115 S. NUECES, CAMP WOOD WED-SAT 10:00-5:00 597-6400 CELL 591-4889
CASE, ANZA & MOORE MAKER KNIVES COWHIDES & FURNITURE CIRCLE E CANDLES, JEWELRY WESTERN & HILL COUNTRY DÉCOR
$49 OVER 50 QUILTS IN STOCK! YELLOW BOX, CORKY’S &
KING SIZE QUILTS START AT
MONTANA WEST 30 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
1800s, when early settlers were making their way up the canyons of the Sabinal, Frio and Nueces looking for new places to settle. History buffs should visit the Waresville Cemetery and Jones Cemetery. Both are in beautiful, gracious settings and the final resting place of several of historical significance. Near VANDERPOOL is Lost Maples State Natural Area, a 2,175-acre preserve along the Sabinal River. Here, you can camp, backpack, picnic, swim, birdwatch, and take great photographs all year long. Each of these communities is unique and offer much more than I’ve mentioned here. So jump in your vehicle and head out on a trip you won’t regret.
Fun rides to the river in Concan
L
ooking for a fun way to get to the river and back? You’re in luck. Concan offers two exceptional options. Andy’s on River Road is home to the Cool Bus, actually a fleet of three cool buses, that offer a “really fun way to get to all the river crossings in Concan,” says Andy Beard, owner of Andy’s. “Lots of kids see the bus and just want to get on. We have music on the buses, so we’re jamming out all the way to and from the river,” he explains. “ I’ve actually had a lot of people say the bus ride was as much fun— if not more fun—than the float itself!” The Cool Bus is also
available for private events. Cool Bus headquarters is at Andy’s at 21488 Texas Highway 127 in Concan. For more information, call 830-232-5444 or email andysonriverroad@gmail. com. You can find out more about Andy’s at www.andysonriverroad.com or find them on Facebook. The Frio Fun Trolley is Concan’s very own trolley service, providing another safe, fun way to shuttle you, your family and friends back and forth to all the river access points. The Trolley Depot is at the Frio Fun rental office at 500 County Road 348 in Concan. You’ll find a complete map with locations of all
Frio Fun Trolley. Photo courtesy Frio Fun. the trolley stops on the web site at www.friofun.com. Modeled after a late 1930s and early 1940s woody wagon, with an open air design, the Frio Fun Trolley provides seating for 28. The trolley is also available for private parties, weddings, events or fun night rides upon request. “In addition to
our normal runs, customers can reserve the trolley to take big groups to the river, and then at night to the Country Club or other destinations. It’s a fun, safe way to transport a large group” says Bob Caran of Frio Fun. For more information, call 830-232-5721 or email info@friofun.com.
CAMP WOOD
Nueces Country Smokehouse Meat Market & Country Store Old Fashion Hamburgers Jerky • Dried Sausage Hot Food • Beer & Wine
Year Round Game Processing
1029 S. Texas Hwy. 55 • Camp Wood, TX The Cool Bus at Andy’s on River Road. Photo courtesy Andy’s.
Arrowhead Lodging ON THE NUECES RIVER
Vacation Cabins & Guest Houses 3 BR/2 BA House 1 Bed/1 BA Cottage & 2 Beds /1 BA cabins
arrowheadguesthouse.com 921 Hwy. 55 N. • Camp Wood, Tx. 830-597-4421 • jstartxex@swtexas.net
830-597-4242
Boots ’N Buckles A Private Club Full Liquor Bar
Bar & Grill 830-597-2277
Specializing in
Ribeyes Hamburgers & Fajitas in Downtown Camp Wood
Come See Us!
On the Three Sisters Loop - Highway 55 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
31
Calendar of Events
Real Hill Country Times Serving Leakey, ConCan, Camp Wood, Rocksprings, Junction, Garven Store & More!
Owner/Editor:
Jackie Dowdy
Editor@RealHillCountryTimes.com
“Our Business Includes Making Business Better For You!” 27551 HWY 83, Mountain Home, TX 78058
(830)-640-3517
Frontier Books announces
Tales of The frio Canyon Released the summer of 2013, it joins
Somewhere in the West (poetry & short stories)
and Beneath a Western Sky (CD Cowboy Poetry)
AvAilABle
For
ProgrAms
Contact Linda Kirkpatrick 830-591-8177 lkirkpatricktx@gmail.com
32 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
EVERY NIGHT in SUMMER CONCAN: Dances at Garner State Park Pavilion. Family friendly. garnerstatepark.com. 830-232-6132. EVERY TUESDAY LEAKEY: Chickin’ Earl’s. Might just be the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted at this popular roadside eatery on Highway 83. 830-232-5001. TUESDAY - FRIDAY CONCAN: Hayrides at Garner State Park. Cowboy style with song. poetry and stories Tuesdays and Thursdays, narrated hayride Wednesday and Friday. Be there by 6:45 pm to participate. Call for more information. 830-232-6132. THIRD THURSDAYS UVALDE: Farm to Market. Locals sell homemade and home grown products. Downtown Square in Uvalde. 830-591-2711 EVERY SATURDAY CONCAN: Dance at Garner State Park Pavilion. Through Spring Break and postsummer ‘til Columbus Day. www.garnerstatepark.com. 830-232-6132. UTOPIA: Farmers’ Market. From 9 am to noon, weather permitting. UTOPIA: Gourmet Dining at The Laurel Tree, A Guest Table. Dinner by reservation only. 830-966-5444, www. utopiagourmet.com. MARCH - SEPTEMBER CONCAN: Bat Flights at Frio Bat Cave. Times and days vary widely. Call ahead to confirm at 888-502-9387 or visit web site at www.friobatflight.com. MARCH 2 Shelly’s 1st Annual Crawfish Boil. Music by Zydeco Blanco. Frio Pecan Farm. 6 pm to 11 pm. 830-232-5294, www. friopecanfarm.com. MARCH 11-17 CONCAN: Rio Frio Fest at House Pasture. Kevin Fowler, Randy Rogers, Cody Canada, Whiskey Meyers, Kyle Park,
Turnpike Troubadours, Stoney Larue, Dub Miller. More artists still to be announced. www.housepasture.com. MARCH 23 CAMP WOOD: Guided Historical Tour. www. friocanyonchamber.com. UVALDE: 4th Annual Wellness Walk.Run. www.umhtx.org. MARCH 23-24 SABINAL: Sabinal Lions Club hosts the Wild Hog Festival. Wild hog chasing, arts and crafts, games, rides. Sabinal City Park and Yellow Jacket Stadium. 830-279-4045, wildhogfestival.com. APRIL 5-6 CONCAN: Texas Deer Association Pachanga BBQ Cook Off. Washer and horseshoe pitching tourney, helicopter and pony rides, rock climbing. House Pasture Cattle Co. housepasture.com. APRIL 6 CONCAN: Golf Tournament at the Club at Concan at 9 am. www.concangolf.com RIO FRIO: Real County Centennial Quilt Exhibit. Quilts constructed in Real County will be on display at Alto Frio. Doors open at 9 am. RIO FRIO: Mohair Style Show. friocanyonchamber.com, 830232-5222. RIO FRIO: Luncheon. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. by local high school students dressed in period costumes designed and made by MiMi Hardwick. friocanyonchamber.com, 830232-5222. LEAKEY: Centennial Marker Dedication. 5 pm, followed by a Birthday BBQ Dinner and BIG Birthday Cake at 6 pm. Street Dance featuring The Rick Cavender Band at 8 pm. realcounty1913.com. APRIL 12-13 FORT INGE: Fort Inge Days. Historic demonstrations, an 1860’s baseball game, and
See CALENDAR, page 33
CALENDAR, from page 32 more. 830-278-2016 APRIL 12-14 UTOPIA: Mens Sacred Journey Retreat. Live the book “Golf’s Sacred Journey” as you join men from around the world on a great adventure with the author, Dr. Cook. Conference fees: $600, Includes a round of golf at the “Links of Utopia,” two dinners, and 4 sessions including watching “Seven Days in Utopia” movie with Dr. Cook. For more information or questions, contact Tracy@ LinksOfUtopia.com. APRIL 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 RIVER REGION: 14th Annual Nature Quest Birds, Bats, Butterflies & More! Learn from Experts about birds, small cavity nesters, bluebirds, raptors, hummingbirds, bats and butterflies, insects, champion big trees, natural history, native plants, useful & medicinal plants, wildflowers, invasive plants, and how to make your own backyard a wildlife habitat. Headquarters at Hill Country Nature Center, 830-966-2320, www. hillcountrynaturequest.com. MAY 25 CONCAN: Gary P. Nunn. Live Texas music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www. housepasture.com. LEAKEY: Shrimp Boil. All you can eat shrimp, potatoes and corn. 5 pm at Bent Rim Grill. friocanyonchamber.com. JUNE 1 CONCAN: Roger Creager. Live Texas music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www. housepasture.com. JUNE 8 CONCAN: Whiskey Myers. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. housepasture.com. LEAKEY: Guided Historical Tour. friocanyonchamber.com. JUNE 15 CONCAN: Casey Donahue. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co..housepasture.com. JUNE 22 CONCAN: Pat Green with Luke Olson. Live music at
House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com. RIO FRIO: Guided Historical Tour. friocanyonchamber.com. JUNE 29 CONCAN: The Josh Abbott Band. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www. housepasture.com. JULY 4 CONCAN: Jason Boland and the Stragglers. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com. UTOPIA: Main Street Parade and Fireworks. Utopia Park. JULY 5 CONCAN: Randy Rogers with Dirty River Boys. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com. JULY 5-6 LEAKEY: July Jubilee. Street Dance and arts and crafts fair. Old time street dances both nights at 8 pm. 10 am Patriotic Parade Saturday, plus arts and crafts and food vendors from 8 am to 4 pm.www. friocanyonchamber.com. LEAKEY: Rodeo. Bareback, calf roping, bull riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, ladies’ barrel on 336 north of Leakey. 8 pm. friocanyonchamber.com. JULY 6 CONCAN: Cory Morrow. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com. JULY 13 CONCAN: Stoney LaRue. Great live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www. housepasture.com. JULY 20 CONCAN: Kevin Fowler. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com. JULY 27 CONCAN: Kyle Park. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com. AUGUST 2-3 CAMP WOOD: 52nd Annual Old Settlers Reunion. Arts and crafts, food, games, music, Friday rodeo, Saturday parade plus reunion of students. mycampwood.com. AUGUST 3 CONCAN: Bellamy Brothers
(with The Rankin Twins). Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com. AUGUST 9-10 CONCAN: Owen Temple’s Frio River Song Festival. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com. AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 1 LEAKEY: Melodrama, 5K Run and Soap Box Derby. Friocanyonchamber.com. AUGUST 31 CONCAN: The Turnpike Troubadours. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com. SEPTEMBER 14 CAMP WOOD: Guided Historical Tour. www. friocanyonchamber.com. SEPTEMBER 28 LEAKEY: Guided Historical Tour. friocanyonchamber.com. SEPTEMBER 19-21 UTOPIA: UTOPIAfest. Unique music festival in pristinesetting. Bring chairs and shade or canopy. Camping available. www.utopiafestival.com. OCTOBER 4-5 CONCAN: Fall on the Frio. 5 K Run, BBQ Cook- Off, Bake-Off, Washer & Horse Shoe Tournaments, Vendors, Kids Games, Live Music. Family fun on the Frio River. Live Music during the day and Saturday Night. Come support the local Concan Fire Department while tasting some of the best BBQ around. BYOB. House Pasture Cattle
Company. housepasture.com. OCTOBER 12-13 CAMP WOOD: Parade, Chuck Wagon, Cowboy Symposium. mycampwood.com. LATE OCTOBER to MID-NOVEMBER VANDERPOOL: Fall Foliage at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Make lodging plans in advance, as visitors flock to this beautiful area to witness changing of the leaves. Foliage report at www.tpwd.state. tx.us, or call State Natural Area at 830-966-3413. NOVEMBER 2 UTOPIA: Annual Utopia Fall Arts and Crafts Fair. Vendors of handmade arts and crafts plus music, food, demonstrations and auction to benefit local scholarships. 9 am to 4 pm on Utopia Town Square, FM 187. NOVEMBER 30 LEAKEY: Christmas on the Square. 8 am to 4 pm on Courthouse Square. Arts and crafts, food vendors, plus visit wirh Santa. Sponsored by Frio Canyon Chamber. www. friocanyonchamber.com. DECEMBER 14 CAMP WOOD: Christmas in the Canyon. Open house for downtown merchants, refreshments and caroling. 6:30 pm. mycampwood.com. DECEMBER 20 CAMP WOOD: Burial of the Time Capsule. Realcountycentennial.com.
SABINAL
HART’S
H Antiques H Refinishing H Restoration
Custom Mesquite & Hardwood
FURNITURE
Downtown Sabinal, TX Open 7 Days 8 am-4 pm
830-988-2733 • cell 830-275-6580
www.hartsmesquitefurniture.net Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
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34 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013
“Easy to Get to... Hard to Leave”
A Riverside Bed & Breakfast Lodge and Conference Center +/-700 FOOT OF SABINAL RIVER FRONT Full Hot Country Breakfasts • Hot Tub and Swimming Pool Barbeque Pits • Picnic Tables • Rock & Driftwood Hunting Stargazing • Horseshoe Pit • Birdwatching • Wildlife Viewing Catch & Release Fishing • In-Room Massage Available
2 miles south of Utopia off FM 187 at 363 County Road 360 www.utopiaontheriver.com • 830-966-2444 • info@utopiaontheriver.com
A Quilter’s Delight Quilting Fabrics, Fat Quarters, Quilting Kits, Quilting Patterns, Gifts, Specials & Treasures That Will Delight Your Heart!
PSALMS 37:4
Suzie Q Quilts....worth going the extra mile!
Valley Ranch Retreat Now taking reservations for quilting, scrapbooking, needlecraft and art retreats, weddings, receptions & other events.
For information, call
830-597-3445
508 S. Nueces • Camp Wood, TX 78833 830-597-6310 • www.suzieqquilts.com
105 Mockingbird Lane • Camp Wood, TX 78833
Mill Wheel on the Nueces Guest Cottages
Woodbine Inn
www.valleyranchretreat.com
Vacation Time in Beautiful Camp Wood, Texas!
P.O. Box 279 • Camp Wood, TX 78833 For more information, call 830-597-4411
MillWheelontheNueces.com
For a peaceful stay, this is the place!
214 S. Nueces St. • Camp Wood, TX 78833 For more information, call 830-597-2310
Visit us online at www.CampWoodLodging.com
ON THE FRIO
River Rim Resort, a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country, provides guests with shady RV sites and a cluster of cabins accented with a European flair. The Spring at the Rim is a beautifully landscaped complex made up of an enclosed cabana with a pool and patio area that is a charming venue for private parties, wedding receptions, family reunions or corporate retreats. The Rim, its three sister resorts and two private guest houses offer a signature style of accommodations. Because they are open all year River Rim, RiverGate, River’s Edge, Indian Springs, El Zocalo and La Vista provide the perfect home away from home getaways.
River Rim Resort 1204 CR 350
RiverGate Cabins 2020 CR 350
Indian Springs Lodges 1586 CR 348
VISIT US ON
River’s Edge Cabins 2039 CR 350
El Zocalo & LaVista del Zocalo 1352 CR 350
AT RIVER RIM RESORT ON THE FRIO.
1204 CR 350 • Concan, Texas • 830-232-5758 riverrimresort@yahoo.com • riverrimresort.com